Filler spout with both a valve member and a secondary shutter and with an actuator element between them

ABSTRACT

A filler spout comprising a tubular body having mounted therein a valve member extending in register with a valve seat, and a secondary shutter disposed downstream from the valve member and connected thereto, the body including a constriction in register with the secondary shutter, an internal magnetic actuator element being connected to the valve member and being associated with external actuator means arranged to move the internal element between a position in which the valve member is closed and a position in which the valve member is open, wherein the internal actuator element is mounted between the valve member and the secondary shutter, and the tubular body includes means giving access to the internal actuator element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electromagnetically-controlledfiller spout.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A filler spout is known, in particular from document WO 01/40098, thatcomprises a tubular body in which there are mounted a valve memberextending in register with a valve seat and a secondary shutter that isconnected to the valve member and that extends in register with aconstriction in the tubular body. The assembly comprising the valvemember and the secondary shutter is connected to an actuator.

Cylinder type actuators exist having a rod that is connected to thevalve member and extending outside the tubular body upstream from thevalve member. The use of an actuator of that type requires a tubularbody of complex shape in order to enable the actuator to be connected tothe valve member, while preserving sealing of the liquid transportcircuit.

Electromagnetic actuators are also known that comprise a magneticactuator element extending upstream from the valve member and connectedto the valve member by an axial coupling member. Theelectromagnetically-controlled actuator has a coil that extends outsidethe tubular body and that is powered so as to generate a magnetic fieldsuitable for moving the magnetic actuator element. Access to theinternal actuator element, e.g. for maintenance purposes, then requiresthe entire circuit to be emptied.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to propose a filler spout solving theabove problems.

For this purpose, the invention provides a filler spout comprising atubular body having mounted therein a valve member extending in registerwith a valve seat, and a secondary shutter disposed downstream from thevalve member and connected thereto, the body including a constriction inregister with the secondary shutter, an internal magnetic actuatorelement being connected to the valve member and being associated withexternal actuator means arranged to move the internal element between aposition in which the valve member is closed and a position in which thevalve member is open, wherein the internal actuator element is mountedbetween the valve member and the secondary shutter, and the tubular bodyincludes means giving access to the internal actuator element.

Thus, because the filler spout is closed by the valve member, it ispossible to access the internal actuator element without it beingnecessary to empty the entire filler spout and the circuit fortransporting liquid to which the filler spout is connected.

In an advantageous version of the invention, the internal actuatorelement is connected to the secondary shutter by releasable attachmentmeans, and the constriction is fitted to the tubular body by releasableattachment means.

The valve member and the secondary shutter are thus mounted in separatebody elements that are connected together by a releasable attachmentmember, thereby enabling various combinations of valve member andshutter member to be set up quickly in order to adapt the filler spoutto containers for filling having different neck diameters or to liquidspresenting different viscosities.

Advantageously, the internal actuator element is connected to the valvemember by releasable attachment means and/or the tubular body includes adetachable segment in register with the internal actuator element.

The internal actuator element may be separated from the valve member inthe context of a maintenance operation, for cleaning purposes or inorder to be replaced. Removal of the tubular body segment in registertherewith gives access to the internal actuator element and also makesit possible to change the actuator assembly, e.g. in order to replace itwith elements of different dimensions.

In a particular method of actuation, the internal element includes atleast one permanent magnet and the external actuator means comprise:

-   -   at least one permanent magnet magnetically coupled with the        permanent magnet of the internal element; and    -   movement means for moving the permanent magnet of the external        actuator means.

Thus, the permanent magnets serve to connect the external actuator tothe internal actuator element by magnetic coupling. The movement of theinternal actuator element is not the direct result of variation in amagnetic field to which it is subjected, but is provided by moving theexternal permanent magnet that is magnetically coupled to the permanentmagnet secured to the internal actuator element. Although it is entirelypossible to use electromagnetic actuation, in general such utilizationpresents limits that stem mainly from the fact that the force exerted onthe internal actuator element by the external electromagnetic actuationis directly proportional to the dimensions of the coil. This makes thecoil bulky and difficult to put into place around filler spouts that areconnected to liquid circuits in which the pressure may be as great astwo bars. In addition, the force of a magnetic field decreases withtemperature, which means that it is not possible to useelectromagnetically-controlled actuators for filling hot substances.Magnetic actuation by means of a permanent magnet does not present thoselimits or presents them to a lesser extent, thereby making itadvantageous to use a magnet.

In a particular embodiment, the internal element comprises a supporthaving portions that are adjacent to a wall defining the tubular bodyand portions that are set back from said wall, with the elementincluding a permanent magnet in each of its portions adjacent to thewall, and preferably:

-   -   the support has a cross-section that is rectangular with its        short sides forming the portions adjacent to the wall; and    -   the wall of the tubular body presents an outline that is        circular.

This embodiment possesses a structure that is simple to make. Inaddition, the internal actuator element and the tubular body are ofcross-sections that allow large flow sections to be left for the liquid,thereby limiting any risk of turbulence that might disturb the flow.

Advantageously, the secondary shutter and the constriction presentrelative dimensions and relative positioning such that when the valvemember is closed the secondary shutter presents clearance relative tothe constriction that is just sufficient to retain a liquid contained inthe body between the valve member and the secondary shutter by means ofcapillarity.

Without running any risk of interfering with the closure action of thevalve member, this enables the filler spout to retain a sufficientquantity of substance to avoid faulty formation of the jet of substancewhen the valve member is opened.

Under such circumstances, and preferably, the internal element isconnected to the valve member by a coupling member presenting axial lostmotion.

It is thus possible for opening of the valve member to be offsetrelative to opening of the secondary shutter.

Also preferably, the coupling member also presents radial lost motion.

This makes it possible to increase manufacturing tolerances and tosimplify assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear further onreading the following description of a particular embodiment of theinvention and of variants thereof, given with reference to theaccompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the filler spout, with some zones beingdrawn in transparency, the valve member in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is an axial section view of a filler spout of the invention withthe valve member in the open position;

FIG. 3 is a view on a larger scale and in perspective of a zone III inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view on a larger scale of a zone IV in FIG. 2, showing theinternal actuator element in transparency;

FIG. 5 is a view analogous to the view of FIG. 1 showing another variantof the outlet member of the filler spout; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic fragmentary view of the assembly comprising thevalve member, the internal actuator element, and the secondary shuttershowing the releasable attachment means for attaching the internalactuator element to the valve member.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the filler spout of the inventioncomprises a structure 100 having mounted thereon a tubular body 1 havingthree body elements 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 that are connected together byquick coupler means represented symbolically at 2. The body elements1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 respectively contain elements that perform a shutterfunction, a control function, and an outlet nozzle or secondary shutterfunction of the filler spout of the invention.

The control function is performed by an internal magnetic actuatorelement 3 mounted to slide in the body element 1.2. The magneticactuator element 3 comprises a support 4 having guide portions 4.1adjacent to the wall of the body element 1.2 and set-back portions 4.2.The support 4 in this example is rectangular in section having shortsides that form the guide portions 4.1. The guide portions 4.1 of thesupport 4 serve to guide the support 4 accurately inside the bodyelement 1.2 and they co-operate with the set-back portions 4.2 to definepassages allowing a substance to flow between the support 4 and theinside face of the body element 1.2. The guide portion 4.1 housepermanent magnets 5. The body element 1.2 is made of a non-magneticmaterial and it is surrounded by an annular permanent magnet 6 that ismounted to slide on the body element 1.2, and that is associated with anactuator 7. The actuator 7 is a linear electromagnetic actuator having arod connected at one end to a crank lever 8 that is mounted on thestructure 100 to pivot about an axis that is perpendicular to the fillerspout and that possesses an opposite end having a fork 9 engaged on anannular slider 10 that is mounted on the body element 1.2 and on whichthe annular permanent magnet 6 rests. The external actuator meansinclude an abutment 29 that is adjustable in position along the tubularbody 1 to define a bottom position for the slider 10. The abutment 29 inthis example comprises a screw of axis parallel to the tubular body 1and that is engaged in the slider 10 and that bears against thestructure 100.

The body element 1.1 contains a valve member 11, in the form of a ballin this example, which member is associated with coupling means, in thisexample a control rod 15 connecting the valve member 11 to the internalactuator element 3, the valve member being mounted to slide in acylindrical bore 12 of the body element 1.1. The control rod is screwedinto the support 4 and into the valve member 11. In its bottom portion,the bore 12 includes a chamfer 13 forming a seat for the valve member 11and it has longitudinal channels 14 formed therein that extend upstreamfrom the chamfer 13 to allow liquid to pass when the valve member 11 isin the open position.

The body element 1.3 contains a secondary shutter 21 that is fastened bycoupling means to the internal actuator element 3. By way of example,the coupling means comprise a rod 22 having ends screwed respectivelyinto the secondary shutter 21 and into the internal actuator element 3.In this embodiment, the secondary shutter 21 has an elongate conicalbottom portion 23 extending in register with a conical constriction 24in the body element 1.3.

In order to assemble the filler spout, the valve member 11 fitted withthe control rod 15 is mounted in the body element 1.1. The internalactuator element 3 and the body element 1.2 are then assembled thereto,and finally the secondary shutter 21 and the body element 1.3.

In the closed position of the filler spout, as shown in FIG. 1, itshould be observed that the dimensions and relative positioning of theconical portion and of the constriction 24 are designed so that when thevalve member is in the closed position, as shown, the conical portion 23of the secondary shutter is spaced apart from the constriction 24 withclearance that is just sufficient to ensure that capillarity retains thesubstance contained in the body elements 1.2 and 1.3. The abutment 29 ofadjustable position along the tubular body 1 serves to define a bottomposition for the slider 10 and thus enables the bottom position of theinternal element 3 to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the position of thesecondary shutter 21 relative to the constriction 24.

The external actuator is controlled by a stepper motor that co-operateswith a system for measuring the amount of substance that has enteredinto the container for filling in order to ensure that the streamreceived matches the programmed stream. It should also be observed thatduring a maintenance operation, the operator can open the valve memberby lifting the permanent magnet 6 by hand.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elongate portion 23 of thesecondary shutter 21 co-operates with the constriction 24 of the bodyelement 1.3 to provide a passage that ensures that a flow of thesubstance is maintained under laminar conditions. Such a secondaryshutter is useful for packaging a substance that has a tendency to frothif its flow is turbulent, such as milk.

FIG. 5 shows another variant embodiment in which the secondary shutter31 is of smaller height, thereby making it possible to reduce theoverall size of the resulting assembly when there is no need to ensure alaminar flow of the substance at the outlet from the spout.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described andvariants may be applied thereto without going beyond the ambit of theinvention, as defined by the claims.

In particular, the means for coupling the internal actuator element 3 tothe secondary shutter and/or the means for coupling the internalactuator element 3 to the valve member may be rigid as shown in FIGS. 1to 4, or may have provision for axial or radial lost motion as shown inFIG. 6. Under such circumstances, the coupling means comprise a C-shapedbracket 30 connected to the valve member 11 by a link rod 31. Thebranches of the bracket surround a peg 32 comprising a rod 32 fastenedto the support 4 and a head 32.2 engaged in the bracket 30. The peg 32is secured to the magnetic actuator member 3 and the rod 32.1 and thehead 32.2 are mounted in the bracket 30 with radial lost motion suchthat accurate sliding of the internal actuator element 3 in the bodyelement 1.2 and accurate sliding of the valve member 11 in the bodyelement 1.1 are unaffected even if the body elements 1.1 and 1.2 are notmounted accurately on the same axis. It is thus possible to dissociatethe valve member 11 and the internal actuator element 3 by a simplelateral offset between them. It is possible to use other couplingmembers presenting radial lost motion, e.g. a bayonet coupling member.Axial lost motion makes it possible for the movements of the secondaryshutter 21 and of the valve member 11 to be offset in time.

In a variant, the valve member 11 may be cylindrical, frustoconical, ordisk-shaped and it may be provided with a skirt in which notches areformed so as to cause the flow rate to vary more progressively when thevalve member is opened or closed.

The valve member 11 may be provided with a stationary gasket or with agasket that is axially movable.

The internal actuator element is shown as being rectangular in sectionso as to allow liquid to pass along either side thereof while itsmagnets are encapsulated at its ends close to the walls of the chamber,thereby facilitating cleaning. The internal actuator element may havesections of other shapes, in particular cylindrical or polygonal. It isalso possible to envisage an internal actuator element that is piercedin its center with magnets being encapsulated at its periphery, thecomplementary magnets being situated over the entire outside portion ofthe tube formed in this way.

For ease of construction, the chamber shown is circular in section,however it is possible to envisage a chamber that is polygonal insection.

Although the invention is particularly adapted to systems that performfilling by weight with a programmed flow rate, the invention can be usedin other filler systems, such as systems having a constant-level buffervessel.

The structure of the actuator means described above is independent ofthe disposition of the internal element between the valve member and thesecondary shutter. Even through the structure described above for theactuator means is particularly advantageous in the invention, otheractuator means could be used, e.g. electromagnetic means.

1. A filler spout comprising a tubular body having mounted therein avalve member extending in register with a valve seat, and a secondaryshutter disposed downstream from the valve member and connected thereto,the body including a constriction in register with the secondaryshutter, an internal magnetic actuator element being connected to thevalve member and being associated with external actuator means arrangedto move the internal element between a position in which the valvemember is closed and a position in which the valve member is open,wherein the internal actuator element is mounted between the valvemember and the secondary shutter, and the tubular body includes meansgiving access to the internal actuator element.
 2. A spout according toclaim 1, wherein the internal element and the secondary shutter arearranged so as to allow the valve member to remain closed while theinternal element and the secondary shutter are not attached to thespout.
 3. A spout according to claim 1, wherein the internal actuatorelement is connected to the secondary shutter by releasable attachmentmeans, and the constriction is fitted to the tubular body by releasableattachment means.
 4. A spout according to claim 2, wherein the internalactuator element is connected to the valve member by releasableattachment means and/or the tubular body includes a detachable segmentin register with the internal actuator element.
 5. A spout according toclaim 1, wherein the internal element includes at least one permanentmagnet and the external actuator means comprise: at least one permanentmagnet magnetically coupled with the permanent magnet of the internalelement; and movement means for moving the permanent magnet of theexternal actuator means.
 6. A spout according to claim 5, wherein theinternal element comprises a support having portions that are adjacentto a wall defining the tubular body and portions that are set back fromsaid wall, the element including a permanent magnet in each of itsportions adjacent to the wall.
 7. A spout according to claim 6, whereinthe support is of rectangular cross-section with short sides forming theportions adjacent to the wall.
 8. A spout according to claim 7, whereinthe wall of the tubular body presents an outline that is circular.
 9. Aspout according to claim 5, wherein the external actuator means comprisea linear electromagnetic actuator having a rod connected at one end to acrank that is mounted on a structure secured to the body to pivot aboutan axis perpendicular to the body and that possesses an opposite endprovided with a fork engaged on an annular slider that is mounted on thebody and on which the permanent magnet rests.
 10. A spout according toclaim 9, wherein the external actuator means comprise an abutment thatis adjustable in position along the tubular body in order to define abottom position for the slider.
 11. A spout according to claim 5,wherein the permanent magnet of the external actuator means is annularin shape and surrounds the body.
 12. A filler spout according to claim1, wherein the secondary shutter and the constriction presents relativedimensions and relative positioning such that when the valve member isclosed the secondary shutter presents clearance relative to theconstriction that is just sufficient to retain a liquid contained in thebody between the valve member and the secondary shutter by means ofcapillarity.
 13. A spout according to claim 1, wherein the internalelement is connected to the valve member by a coupling member presentingaxial lost motion.
 14. A spout according to claim 13, wherein thecoupling member also presents radial lost motion.